Sports Minister demands SAFA return R13m allocated for VAR

Sports Minister, Gayton Mackenzie, has demanded that the South African Football Association (SAFA) return the R13 million allocated towards the introductions of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology in the Premier Soccer League (PSL). 

“I wrote SAFA a letter where I said, ‘Return my money’.”

Speaking at the SA Sport Awards at Sun City on Sunday, McKenzie expressed frustration over the lack of progress in introducing VAR to the PSL.

McKenzie says he has done all he can do to get the initiative off the ground, but has now reached his limit as minister. 

“I did two things as the Minister: I took journalists, administrators and the team down to Spain and the UK so they can go and see and compare which one is the best for us. I then gave SAFA R13 million. I can’t do more as the Minister.”

McKenzie says SAFA had requested 21 days to respond to his demand, but the deadline has now passed. 

He urged the public not to direct their frustrations over the delays at him, saying that the country should have VAR by now. 

The minister also assured football fans that he remains committed to introducing the technology to South African football, even if it means seeking assistance beyond SAFA.

He says the department has approached FIFA for assistance with implementing VAR. 

“There shall be VAR at the PSL.”

Football fans have taken to social media to share their views on the issue.

Gayton McKenzie hurried this thing of VAR from his motormouth.

SAFA never committed to have this thing by 2020/2027. Gayton imposed it.

The PSL never wanted to pay for this VAR thing

— Constitution First 🇿🇦 (@Constitution_94) August 24, 2026

SAFA is unfortunate because their communication sucks. Gayton McKenzie ran his mouth in the media and made them look bad. Thus, SAFA loses the information war and are forced to yield to his demands. First, he imposed Pitso on them. Now, he’s imposing VAR on them.

— Trev 🇿🇦🇵🇸🇸🇩🇻🇪🇮🇷 (@TrevorMoyz) August 24, 2026

SAFA is making me us side with Gayton McKenzie. The rot must be too deep that even a former prisoner calls you out

— Top Thinker (@HuUpu_) August 24, 2026